percussion

noun

per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
1
: the act of percussing: such as
a
: the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm
b
: the beating or striking of a musical instrument
c
: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resultant sound
2
: the striking of sound on the ear
3
: percussion instruments that form a section of a band or orchestra
percussion adjective

Examples of percussion in a Sentence

He plays percussion for the band. The marimba is a percussion instrument.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Flute cut through xylophone and percussion early as more guitar and timpani rang out later. Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Get your grub on and sway along to a nine-piece, Afrobeat funk band featuring a full horn section and African percussion. Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025 Horns, woodwinds, and percussion are particularly gorgeous, with a lyrical, sometimes flinty brilliance that always steers clear of sharpness. Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 10 June 2025 The track begins with Winter’s distinct vocals warbling and wobbling over a tender percussion groove. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for percussion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French percussioun, from Latin percussion-, percussio, from percutere to beat, from per- thoroughly + quatere to shake

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of percussion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Percussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/percussion. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

percussion

noun
per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
1
: the act of tapping sharply
especially : the striking of a percussion cap so as to set off the charge in a firearm
2
: the striking of sound sharply on the ear

Medical Definition

percussion

noun
per·​cus·​sion pər-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce percussion (audio)
1
: the act or technique of tapping the surface of a body part to learn the condition of the parts beneath by the resulting sound
2
: massage consisting of the striking of a body part with light rapid blows

called also tapotement

More from Merriam-Webster on percussion

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